CAMPAIGNERS have won a landmark six-year legal battle against a property giant to save a much-loved village green from development.

Piper Land Development, which had plans to build homes on Hirwaun’s green, pulled out of a High Court hearing at the 11th hour to the delight of the community.

Developers were hoping to de-register a section of land, known locally as the Gloucesters, to enable them to build on the site.

The plot had been given village green status in 2009.

An opposition group, called Action for Hirwaun, was set up six years ago to fight to keep the green, which had been a well-known recreation site for generations.

But the latest High Court case was taken forward by Richard Jones, who sought legal aid to battle the developers.

Hundreds of villagers applauded as the good news was announced this week at Hirwaun’s annual bonfire night – which takes place at the previously under-threat site.

In a case of recognised national importance – which cost both sides hundreds of thousands of pounds – many of the fees will now be borne by the developers.

Chris Bond, Action for Hirwaun chairman, said: “None of this would have been possible without the generosity, support and never-say-die spirit of the community of Hirwaun.

“From the commencement of the battle in 2005 to save the Ironworks and Gloucesters for the village, to the public inquiry in 2009 when village green status was awarded, to the packed public meeting at the YMCA in January 2011, when the decision was made to take on the developers in the High Court, villagers have stuck together throughout and now have their just rewards.”

Earlier this year, individual applicant Richard Jones failed at London’s High Court to throw out Piper’s application to overturn the 2009 decision.

But after the setback, Hirwaun residents made a bold move, along with their legal aids, to take the matter to the Appeals Court in February in protest against the High Court judge’s ruling.

The community organised many events to raise thousands of pounds in legal fees for Richard’s solo fight.

It now appears the proposed development is dead in the water after Piper chose to pull out of the latest hearing.

Mr Bond added: “Saving the village green has been a massive challenge and, as chairman, I would like to especially thank our Action for Hirwaun members who have devoted huge amounts of time and commitment.

“It is clear the developers have withdrawn because they were facing a robust defence consisting of quality evidence.”

The Open Spaces Society, an organisation dedicated to saving and preserving open spaces, footpaths and village greens throughout the UK, also gave Mr Jones its backing. Thanks was also given to Coun Karen Morgan for her “unstinting” work on behalf of her Hirwaun constituents.